It was all smiles on Tyneside the last time Watford visited St James’ Park – not least for forgotten Frenchman Fabrice Pancrate.

The former Paris St-Germain winger was then Newcastle’s new signing and he scored his only goal for the club in a 2-0 win over the Hornets as United stayed on course for promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship.

That day Pancrate shimmied his way into the box before unleashing a powerful finish that crashed off the bar at the Leazes End to seal three points.

Intoxicated by the adulation from the St James’ Park crowd, Pancrate emerged that day to tell the Chronicle: “There’s more where that came from.

“It was maybe my best goal, though I scored an acrobatic one for PSG.

“Technically, it was good as I held the ball up and used my right foot to check on to my left.

“When it hit the bar it was the best feeling, as it looked better!

Fabrice Pancrate (Photo: Getty Images)

“It was my first goal at St James’ Park, and it was a magical moment for me.

“I knew there were two players against me.

“I took a beautiful touch inside, and I didn’t even think about it – I just hit it as hard as I could with my left foot.

“If I get on the pitch, the fans are unbelievable, and when I touch the ball, they’re unbelievable!

“When I scored the goal, they were even more unbelievable, so I’m very happy.”

The wonder strike proved to be Pancrate’s last as Newcastle opted against giving him a new contract after promotion.

And after 19 appearances the former PSG man signed for Larissa before moving back to France with Nantes.